TikTok

TikTok is shaking things up with the launch of Whee, a new app designed for sharing real-life photos exclusively with close friends. This Instagram-like platform is part of TikTok’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings, following previous ventures such as Notes and Lemon8. With Whee, users can capture and share moments more intimately, creating a new avenue for social interaction and content sharing.

TikTok has also (finally) introduced an “Upload Cover Image” option for videos, providing creators with more control over their content’s presentation.

In addition, TikTok is partnering with the global events marketplace Eventbrite, offering you a powerful new way to promote your events and sell tickets across a wide range of categories.

But that’s not all – TikTok’s mid-year trend report revealed three major forces shaping the platform’s future:

• Curiosity Peaked: Users are coming to TikTok for answers and staying for the unexpected discoveries. To stand out, create content that aligns with your audience’s existing curiosities, helping them find your brand as they browse.
• Storytelling Unhinged: Forget the traditional narrative structure. On TikTok, collective and unpredictable stories dominate, keeping audiences engaged and inspiring them to join in.
• Building Trust: Authenticity is key. TikTok users are skeptical of over-polished content. Brands that engage in real, unscripted interactions will build stronger connections with their audience.

Instagram 

Instagram continues to roll out features that make life easier for social media managers. One of the most exciting updates is the ability to add a collaborator to an Instagram post even after it has been posted. This flexibility is a game-changer, allowing brands to expand their reach and engagement without needing to start from scratch.

Instagram has also introduced live broadcasts for close friends. This feature enables users to share live moments with a select group, fostering a more personal and engaging experience. 

And if you’re a fan of carousels, you’ll be pleased to know that you can now add music to carousels that include videos. Previously, this feature was limited to carousels with photos, so this expansion opens up new creative possibilities.

More Instagram updates:

Instagram is testing a new vertical profile grid, shifting from the classic square thumbnails to longer stills in-stream. This change, already available to some users, is designed to better align with Reels and video content, enhancing the overall visual flow of your profile.

Plus, in a nostalgic move, Instagram is now letting you add a song to your profile – bringing back some serious Myspace vibes! Instagram also announced multi-track audio options on Reels, expanding the creative toolkit for users.

Instagram is testing making the messaging icon the main focus, highlighting how much Instagram is prioritizing shares as a platform.

Additionally, Instagram is rolling out some major changes to Notes, allowing you to react to posts in real-time by attaching a Note to them. Notes on Feed and Reels are only visible for three days, and you get to choose who sees your Notes, either close friends or followers you follow back.

Pinterest’s New Video Feature 

Pinterest is stepping up its game by allowing users to turn boards into videos for sharing on platforms like Reels and TikTok. This innovative feature enables creators to transform their static boards into dynamic video content, making it easier to engage audiences across multiple platforms. For brands in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, including NFL Style, this could be a particularly exciting development to watch.

With so much innovation happening across platforms, there’s never been a better time for STN Digital to engage with your audience and boost your visibility online — so be sure to reach out to our team of experts. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to navigate the ever-changing world of social media!

With so much innovation happening across platforms, there’s never been a better time for STN Digital to engage with your audience and boost your visibility online — so be sure to reach out to our team of experts.